Photo courtesy of Yuhsin Galaxy Su
“The clarinet has always been seen as an orchestral instrument, although its solo potential is enormous and relatively untapped. My objective is to bring its distinct voice at the center,” says Yuhsin Galaxy Su, who is on a mission to redefine the clarinet’s place in contemporary classical music.
Su’s efforts resonate deeply at a time of change and innovation in the music industry, not just with her audience but also with a new generation of musicians inspired by her remarkable performances.
Shaped By Family and Love for Music
Su was born and raised in Taiwan. Her early years were molded by a strong bond to music inspired by her family’s passion for classical tunes. Eventually, her passion turned to a quest for artistic excellence and creativity. Su’s path is studded with several honors and critical performances; she recently secured the sought-after second clarinetist post with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
She first gained prominence abroad in 2014 when she performed André Messager’s “Solo de Concurs” at Canada’s Morningside Music Bridge. Here, she started transforming the clarinet from its conventional symphonic limitations to a solo instrument with great emotion.
Elevating the Clarinet
Su’s goal to exhibit the clarinet’s adaptability has encouraged her to perform pieces emphasizing the instrument’s dynamic contrasts, various timbres, and extraordinary range. Her performance of Gershwin’s “Three Preludes” in Taiwan in 2022 drew attention for its whimsical and rhythmic subtleties, which highlighted the clarinet’s flexibility to several musical genres.
“Yuhsin brings a fresh perspective to the clarinet, making it sing in unexpected and deeply moving ways,” says Sang Yoon Kim, principal clarinet of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
The rise in popularity of live-streamed concerts has fueled an increase in interest in solo performances and smaller ensembles in the music industry in 2023. This tendency has produced an ideal environment for performers like Su, whose inventive approach to classical instruments satisfies the audience’s desire for distinctive and individualized musical experiences. According to industry predictions, demand for such performances will increase by 15% each year over the next five years, pointing out how important and timely Su’s efforts are.
Mastery of the E-Flat Clarinet
Su has established herself as a virtuoso of the E-flat clarinet, a less typically performed instrument recognized for its higher pitch and distinct sound. In 2017, she performed Ravel’s “Daphnis et Chloé” and Strauss’s “Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40” at the Helsinki Music Centre and Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music, respectively.
Clive Greensmith, the former cellist of the world-renowned Tokyo String Quartet, lauded her mastery of the E-flat clarinet, saying, “Yuhsin’s interpretation of these works brings out the nuanced beauty and technical brilliance of the E-flat clarinet.” Greensmith’s endorsement highlights Su’s ability to bring out the instrument’s particular characteristics, which lend depth to her performances.
Striving for Diversity
Yuhsin Galaxy Su’s contributions showcase the creativity inside conventional structures as the classical music scene continues to evolve. Her clarinet performances not only redefine what is achievable but also encourage a more general discussion on the direction of classical music.
On her journey, Su says, “Every performance is an opportunity to tell a story, to connect with the audience in a way that transcends the notes on the page. I hope that through my music, people will see the clarinet as part of an orchestra and a powerful voice in its own right.”
Su’s great performances not only show remarkable clarinet playing but also provide the path for subsequent generations of musicians to dig deeper into their art. Her personal story expands the limits of musical expression as she starts her new path with the San Francisco Symphony.
